REDLANDS — Downtown became an art lover’s paradise Sunday as dozens of artists showcased their work at the first-ever DTR Art Walk.

Held in conjunction with Augie’s Coffee House’s quarterly Art in the Alley, artists showcased their works at several businesses, including A Shop Called Quest, The Farm and Ozel’s Jewelers.

About 50 artists participated, including Redlander Skip Welch who drew attention as he stood outside Onelove Deluxe creating art using only spray paint cans on a blank canvas.

For a small donation, fans of his art could enter a raffle to win one of four pieces. Winners were to be announced later in the evening, he said.

At A Shop Called Quest, Gloria Alva used watercolors, pencils and ink to create art of animals sneezing,

The idea to create the work stemmed from people’s love of animals and follows a series Alva — who works at the downtown comic book store — created of animals and food.

“I always try to participate in downtown events,” she said, adding that in addition to the artwork she was to create Sunday, she would sell already created works, including zines, which are reproduced original or appropriated works of art or text that are self-published.

The idea for Sunday’s event came from Robb Pearson, curator of works at The Farm and Augie’s.

Pearson contacted local artists and invited them to participate after downtown businesses agreed to open their doors for various showcases.

Many of the artists Sunday were either from Redlands or surrounding cities, he said.

“The goal for this whole thing was to get bodies downtown, younger bodies,” he said. “I think downtown Redlands in particular offers something for people that are maybe looking for a classic, downtown experience. Especially when you get this many artists around, it could provide a place for people to enjoy a pretty downtown area.”

Pearson believes there is an interest for the city — specifically downtown — to create its own little art community, especially following the success of Augie’s Art in the Alley and the draw that is the Redlands Art Association.

If a success in Pearson’s eyes, he wants to host similar art walks quarterly in conjunction with Art in the Alley.

“I think this is a step in the right direction,” he said. “I think there are a lot of artists who are based here, and I also think Redlands is a picturesque town that lends itself to the arts and photography, and it has all the potential to be” its own art community.

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